“When I joined the hotel in 2002, we had just come out of a very difficult time due to 9/11 and a subsequent very tough six months. Occupancy was down and we were somewhat low on the totem pole compared to our competitors,” says Maria Zec, Regional Vice President - USA East Coast and General Manager of The Peninsula Chicago. “However, the turning point for us came with the first Zagat hotel survey in which we were named the Number One Hotel in North America, which really put us on the map. The media picked it up and the Chicago Sun Times put us on the front page. From then on, people really started to take notice of us. We were then named by Travel + Leisure as the Number One Hotel in North America, which was a huge coup, and after that the awards just kept coming. Fast forward to today and we’re still getting the accolades, so I think we have truly made our mark in the city of Chicago and in the United States.”
Indeed, under Zec’s leadership, The Peninsula Chicago achieved the Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awards within her first year as General Manager of the property, and the hotel has continued to receive these coveted awards every year since.
2015 marked the unveiling of the first phase of its spectacular guest room redesign, which seamlessly combines luxury, technology and sustainability to once again set a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in the city.
Carefully and thoughtfully designed with the luxury traveller in mind, the guest rooms are the most technologically advanced in the world. Designer Bill Rooney
in close collaboration with Zec, conceived contemporary interiors with a cosmopolitan attitude that syncs perfectly with The Peninsula’s vibrant setting in the heart of Chicago. Drawing influences from the French Deco style of the hotel’s public spaces, the guestrooms are intentionally suited for both the business and leisure traveller.
The environment is spacious, unrestrained and offers panoramic views of the city skyline. A hand-crafted floral art element on the wall, created by David Qian, anchors each guestroom. By combining the latest design trends with classic Chinoiserie art, Qian used authentic techniques based on 5,000 years of Chinese art history to produce wall embellishments that are hand painted.
The motif created by Qian features the official flower of Chicago since 1966 , the chrysanthemum, which is also one of the four “noble flowers” of Asia, further solidifying the marriage of the brand’s Asian heritage with a Chicago influence. The chrysanthemum is also closely associated with the Fall season, which many consider the best time of the year to visit the city.
The 74 suites at The Peninsula Chicago also feature the chrysanthemum theme on a hand-embroidered silk art wall, along with hand-painted floral artisan glass elements (in junior suites) that provide a decidedly chic yet residential feel to each space.
The colour blue features prominently within the design scheme, a nod to the waters of the mighty Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, both iconic to Chicagoans and visitors alike.
In the realm of technology, once again The Peninsula Hotels led the way, introducing its proprietary advanced guest room technology to the United States via The Peninsula Chicago.
In June 2018, The Peninsula Chicago unveiled Z Bar, with an unrivalled mix of flavours, sights and sounds from Chicago and around the globe. Two years in the making, the bar brings together captivating concepts, skilled industry leaders and expert hosting skills to present one of the city’s most exciting venues which in 2019 was named by the Forbes Travel Guide in its Verified List for the year’s World’s Best Hotel Bars
Z Bar is named after Maria Zec, who as an industry influencer, is passionate about creating memorable experiences for hotel guests and patrons and her collaborative spirit has brought together winning teams of chefs, mixologists, specialists and hoteliers.
Conceived by international design icons Yabu Pushelberg, Z Bar comrpises a progression of lounges, each with their own personality designed to beckon patrons further inside. A study in refined textures, bold patterns and evocative artistry, the lounge is a fitting backdrop for the detail-forward beverages, drinks and cultural happenings. Scenic murals, a dramatic skylight, floor-to-ceiling windows and portrait of a pug combine to create a visual feast.
Lake Michigan, the Hancock, and the historic Water Tower are all visible from Z Bar’s perch high-above Chicago. The outdoor terrace and the private salons adjoining the exterior space offer unmatched views above Michigan Avenue while connecting guests to the bustling city below.
The cocktails at Z Bar are crafted with exceptional ingredients and inspiration, while bespoke glassware and rare garnishes aim to surprise. The drinks are imaginative and sophisticated, international and playful. A Manhattan Royale stars rare Elijah Craig 18 Year-Old Bourbon with truffle or saffron bitters served in handmade crystal over ice laced with 24-karat gold. Carbonated, bottled CoZmos can be ordered five at a time in a Champagne bucket. Disco Fever, with Absolut Elyx, comes in a large-format disco ball.
Tableside preparations and pours abound – from freshly made mojitos served from a roving cart to a 4:00 pm Friday afternoon Champagne tower designed to kick-off the weekend early.
Of course, The Peninsula would not be The Peninsula without its legendary service and its family of dedicated staff, as acknowledged fully by Zec. “Our staff knows our guests by name, their likes and dislikes, and offers them a sense of family. We really make an effort to be exclusive and to create memorable moments. Our goal has always been to combine Eastern graciousness with Midwestern hospitality, and when people stay with us, they know they are going to have a great experience because its The Peninsula and we’re known for always trying to raise the bar.”